KUALA LUMPUR: The National Registration Department (NRD) will review the identity documents of nearly 500 students from Thailand, who claim to be Malaysians and attending school in Malaysia.
NRD director-general Badrul Hisham Alias said the department had not received any complaints regarding document forgery.
Random checks have confirmed that these students do indeed hold valid identification issued by the Malaysian authorities.
He clarified that investigations into whether these students from Thailand with dual citizenship and who might have used Malaysian identification to attend school would only proceed if a formal complaint was lodged.
"We are prepared to investigate and verify the documents of the 500 students from Thailand who claim to be Malaysians and attend school in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, to ensure that they are legitimate citizens of Malaysia.
"To date, we have not found any forged identity documents specifically intended to allow students to receive education in Malaysia, but random checks are regularly conducted to detect potential cases," he said.
Badrul said Malaysia's document issuance process was rigorous, with strict screening based on birth certificates to verify citizenship status.
He also acknowledged that while there were Malaysians residing abroad, including those in Thailand, who attended school or voted in Malaysia, as long as the individual was confirmed as a citizen, they were entitled to the full benefits of citizenship.
"For Malaysian students living in Golok, Thailand, it is essential that they carry their identification documents at all times.
Failure to produce an identity card when required is an offence under Article 25(1) of the National Registration Regulations 1990, and offenders may face up to three years in prison, a fine up to RM20,000, or both," he said.
Badrul said parents were required to register their child's birth within 60 days and children must have an identity card by the age of 16, following their 12th birthday.
Non-compliance could result in a fine.
It was reported that nearly 500 students from Thailand illegally crossed Sungai Golok daily to attend school in Malaysia.
A survey revealed that as early as 6.30am, students wait to board boats crossing into Malaysia for a fee of RM1 each. Until 8am, the area around Sungai Golok sees heavy traffic.
Popular illegal crossings include Pangkalan Jambu, Ibrahim Pencen and Paun, all in Kelantan.